Tanfield Railway — Attraction in Stanley

Thoroughly enjoyed our steam train ride with fish and chips. Stopped off for 10 mins ish to photo Causey Arch on way back where the bridge is now a walkway. If you don't like heights don't look down!! Must be 50 maybe 60 foot. Very beautiful though and the sparkling tinkling running water made it special too. 3 notice boards giving info there with others on each station with time to wander and have a cuppa at the stations. Toilets at the first station not sure about 2nd station where we got the takeaway from and none on the train. Oooo and a massive wooden wagon to inspect at Causey Arch stop. Wonderful views and lots of trees. Now and again would see the smoke curling around the trees as we trundled along which brought back so many memories of early childhood before the steam trains were scrapped for deisel. The fish and chips were red hot not a bruise on the chips and the fish large enough full of flavour. Surprise "present" of a bottle of water and a flapjack which was very nice to receive. Mild confusion as tables were mentioned in the booking form so an assumption was made that we ate in the cafe but no it was all put into a paper carry bag to eat on the train with wooden knife and fork provided salt and vinegar sachets too. Some of the open carriages had tables so assume it meant those. When i say open i dont mean open to elements just a carriage to seat probably 30 whereas ours only 6 maybe 8 at a squish. We were in an enclosed carriage no walkway at the side just two doors one each side. Was slightly disappointed at slow speed of train but hey that's a small thing and it did mean we could see and video the views much easier. All in all fab. If travelling by bus allow plenty of time (get off when spoken bus stops mention Tanfield and if you look to your right as bus slows down for bus stop youll see huge sign stating is for Andrews House Station. Strangely we had asked the driver to tell us when we were at Andrews House Station and he had no idea so we Google earthed it and followed on Google maps. There's a car park if you're driving. All in all a fab time out. Oh arrive 20 ish mins early as have to book in at shed then wander down hill to platform. All the folk volunteering there were lovely. There's a small book shop worth looking in for Tanfield info book as well as loads of other books about trains/stations all over UK. Was surprised to find out its the oldest railway in the world still in use at 300 yrs just wow. Don't expect luxury seating or carriages as was originally for the pit workers so just functional. Enjoy...

I wanted to celebrate father's day with a unique activity and nothing can excite dads more than trains. Tanfield Railway (the oldest one) was my choice of experience. Their website is easy to access and you can find every relevant piece of information there. Out of the range of tickets available we booked the afternoon tea in a Victorian Carriage.

Leading up to the booking, they sent reminders and the address and pin code of the departing station which was very helpful. On arrival there were plenty parking spaces.

Once in, there's a lovely café and a visitor centre. You are then taken to the platform which has many picnic benches you can sit on and wait for the grand entrance of your steam engine train.

The afternoon tea was much better than expected for the price I paid. Delicious sandwiches and cakes along with unlimited drinks (tea, coffee, juice and water). They also cater for special dietary requirements. The view from the window is lovely - you can peak into some grand farmhouses and farms. The train stops at 4 stations where you can get off and soak in the beauty of the location. The staff wait for as long as you need to explore so there's no rush.

That brings me to the absolutely lovely staff. Two kind ladies served us our tea and a lovely gentleman helped us capture the moment by clicking our pictures. Overall it was a great 2 hour train journey and a father’s day celebration that we will never forget. Definitely recommend if you are interested (or...

Great way to idle away an afternoon. From purchasing a vintage style ticket to stepping on board the steam train, your day is immersed in the sights, sounds & smells of years gone by. Surrounded by a mix of fellow passengers we whistled through the pretty countryside enjoying the "slower" pace of life. Very pleased to report that unlike the modern day locomotive Tanfield Railways ensure that all trains run as per timetable. Would recommend you purchase a hop on hop off ticket and enjoy a stroll down to Causey Arch & along the river, beautiful scenery & wildlife spotting opportunities. Then hop back on the steam train & head to one of the stations for a delicious tea & scone to complete a fantastic day out. Quick mention to all the young volunteers who I encountered yesterday who were friendly & very helpful. Special mention to the lovely young man who was stationed at the Bobgins Level Crossing, yesterday afternoon, who made sure we took the scenic route when strolling back to Andrews House station, a 5 star service delivered...